Quality Parameters of Packaged Refrigerated Apple Cubes in Orange Juice

The quality of apple cubes (Red Delicious and Granny Smith) maintained in pasteurised or fresh orange juice with sucrose and chemical preservatives: acidulants (citric and ascorbic acids) and potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate, packaged in plastic films of different gaseous permeability (polyethylene (PE) and EVA-SARAN-EVA (ESE)), was analysed during storage at 10 °C. Surface colour, microbial growth and instrumental texture changes were measured. Microbial flora was identified, and its growth was mathematically modelled. Shelf-life values of 10d in polyethylene and higher than 25d in ESE film, maintaining acceptable quality attributes, were obtained for both apple varieties in pasteurised juices. For Red Delicious in unpasteurised orange juice with acidulants and potassium sorbate (0.125-0.250 g/kg), shelf-life values were 7.5-8.5d in PE and higher than 15 d in ESE film. For Granny Smith apples in unpasteurised juice without potassium sorbate, shelf-life values were 10 d in PE and higher than 15 d in ESE. Higher concentrations (0.375-0.50 g/kg) of potassium sorbate adversely affected colour. Sodium benzoate was discarded as preservative because it produced severe browning in both apple varieties. All the samples showed safe sanitary conditions; coliforms microorganisms did not grow in any of the tested conditions.     

The effect of temperature on microbial growth in apple cubes packed in film and preserved by use of orange juice

Red delicious apple cubes were packed in fresh orange juice containing chemical preservatives (citric and ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate) and covered with plastic films of different gas permeabilities (polyethylene and EVA‐SARAN‐EVA) before storage at 4, 10 and 20 °C. The concentration of potassium sorbate in the product was optimized with respect to colour and microbial growth. Yeast and mould growth was modelled by Gompertz and linear equations to derive parameters such as lag phase, maximum microbial population and specific microbial growth or rates of decline. Activation energies for the specific growth rates were estimated from Arrhenius‐type equations and the time required to reach microbial counts of 10^6±0.2 CFU g^?1 was determined in all cases. At 4 °C, these values were longer than 25 days in all systems tested. The use of a low gas permeability film and an adequate potassium sorbate concentration extended storage life at higher temperatures.     

Thermal Inactivation of Yeasts in Fruit Juices Supplemented with Food Preservatives and Sucrose

Thermal inactivation of five yeasts (Candida krusei, Hansenula anomala, Saccharomyces bailii, S. cerevisiae and Torulopsis magnoliae) suspended in five fruit juices (apple, apricot, grape, orange and pineapple) as affected by potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate and sucrose was investigated. Yeasts were most sensitive to heat when suspended in orange juice. Both preservatives, at a concentration as low as 100 ppm, enhanced the rate of inactivation in juices containing no added sucrose. Supplementation of juices with sucrose (30 and 50%) resulted in protection against death of yeasts. The detrimental effects of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate were reduced in the presence of high concentrations of sucrose. While neither preservative exhibited a consistent superior lethal effect compared with the other, overall, sodium benzoate was generally more effective than was potassium sorbate.     

Organic acids and their salts as dipping solutions to control listeria monocytogenes inoculated following processing of sliced pork bologna stored at 4 degrees C in vacuum packages.

Postprocessing contamination of cured meats with Listeria monocytogenes has become a major concern for the meat processing industry and an important food safety issue. This study evaluated aqueous dipping solutions of organic acids (2.5 or 5% lactic or acetic acid) or salts (2.5 or 5% sodium acetate or sodium diacetate, 5 or 10% sodium lactate, 5% potassium sorbate or potassium benzoate) to control L. monocytogenes on sliced, vacuum-packaged bologna stored at 4 degrees C for up to 120 days. Organic acids and salts were applied by immersing (1 min) in each solution inoculated (10(2) to 10(3) CFU/cm2) slices of bologna before vacuum packaging. Growth of L. monocytogenes (PALCAM agar) on inoculated bologna slices without treatment exceeded 7 log CFU/cm2 (P < 0.05) at 20 days of storage. No significant (P > 0.05) increase in L. monocytogenes populations occurred on bologna slices treated with 2.5 or 5% acetic acid, 5% sodium diacetate, or 5% potassium benzoate from day 0 to 120. Products treated with 5% potassium sorbate and 5% lactic acid were stored for 50 and 90 days, respectively, before a significant (P < 0.05) increase in L. monocytogenes occurred. All other treatments permitted growth of the pathogen at earlier days of storage, with sodium lactate (5 or 10%) permitting growth within 20 to 35 days. Extent of bacterial growth on trypticase soy agar plus 0.6% yeast extract (TSAYE) was similar to that on PALCAM, indicating that the major part of total bacteria grown on TSAYE agar plates incubated at 30 degrees C was L. monocytogenes. Further studies are needed to evaluate organic acids and salts as dipping solutions at abusive temperatures of retail storage, to optimize their concentrations in terms of product sensory quality, and to evaluate their effects against various other types of microorganisms and on product shelf life. In addition, technologies for the commercial application of postprocessing antimicrobial solutions in meat plants need to be developed.     

Citric Acid and Antimicrobials Affect Microbiological Stability and Quality of Tomato Juice

Acidification, addition of dimethyl dicarbonate and a mixture of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate and storage temperature were related to microbiological stability and quality of tomato juice. Whether iuices were acidified CDH 4.0 to 3.7) or nonacidified. dimethyl dicarbonate and sorbate/benzoate were highly effective in diminishcng mold and yeast count at 5°C and 20°C. Dimethyl dicarbonate in juices acidified to pH 3.7 and stored at 5°C was most effective in controlling plate counts, followed by sorbate/benzoate in juices acidified to pH 3.7 and stored at 5°C and 20°C. Tomato juice treated with dimethyl dicarbonate had lower amounts of ascorbic acid, total amino acids, fructose, glucose, lycopene and β-carotene.     

Shelf life extension of sugarcane juice using preservatives and gamma radiation processing

Preserving raw sugarcane juice is a challenging problem. Sugarcane juice turns brown soon after its extraction and gets spoiled due to fermentation within hours. A combination of gamma radiation (5 kGy) with permitted preservatives and low temperature storage (10 °C) could preserve raw sugarcane juice for more than a month. The preservatives used were citric acid (0.3%), sodium benzoate (0.015%), potassium sorbate (0.025%), and sucrose (10%). The treatment helped in extending the shelf life to 15 d at ambient temperature (26 ± 2 °C) and 35 d at 10 °C. The microbial load was found to be below detectable limit within this period. The biochemicals like phenolics and flavonoids were not found to be affected by addition of these preservatives. The antioxidant activities including free radical scavenging activity, nitrite scavenging activity, and reducing power were also not significantly affected. The sensory evaluation scores showed that the juice with this combination treatment was highly acceptable.     

Effects of Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Acetate, Phosphates and Sodium Chloride Alone or in Combination on Shelf Life of Vacuum-Packaged Pork Chops

Microbiological and some physical and chemical effects of treating pork chop surfaces with sodium acid pyrophosphate, a commercial phosphate blend, potassium sorbate and phosphate/sorbate/sodium acetate solutions, with or without sodium chloride, before packaging were studied in pork chops vacuum-packaged and stored at 2–4°C for 10 weeks. All treatments containing potassium sorbate reduced (P<0.05) counts of mesophiles, psychrotrophs, EnterobacteriaCeae, facultative anaerobes, and lactobacilli. Treatment of chops with 10% phosphates/ 10% potassium sorbate solutions improved pork color and decreased purge. Potassium sorbate alone reduced microbial counts more than it did when combined with phosphates, but chops were darker and had more exudate (P<0.05). Combined use of 10% phosphates/10% potassium sorbate extended shelf life in vacuum-packaged fresh pork chops to 10 weeks at 2–4°C compared with 4 weeks for untreated pork and protected meat color.     

Sensory evaluation of high-moisture dried prunes preserved with sodium benzoate

Both sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate were significantly detected (P < 0.05) in prune juice at levels of 500 to 600 parts/million. Detection levels for both preservatives in high-moisture dried prunes were higher (about 800 parts/million). No significant flavour differences were found between prunes treated with similar amounts of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. Since it was necessary to use more sodium benzoate than potassium sorbate to preserve prunes, comparisons were made between prunes containing equally effective levels of the two preservatives. No significant flavour differences were found between prunes effectively preserved with sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. This suggests that sodium benzoate could be used as a preservative for high-moisture dried prunes with essentially no flavour problem.     

Use of Acidification, Low Temperature, and Sorbates for Storage of Orange Juice

The effects of acidification, combination of acidification and low temperature and sorbates on the storage of orange juice were investigated. Acidification of orange juice to pH 2.0 and pH 2.5 followed by storage at 5°C resulted in marked reduction in total plate count and yeast and mold population during twelve weeks of storage. Use of 0.03% sorbic acid or potassium sorbate in combination with acidification at pH 2.5 resulted in preservation of orange juice stored at 10°C over 10 wk period; however, vitamin C degradation was enhanced by the presence of the sorbates. The results also indicated that relatively high concentrations of vitamin C were present in orange juice containing high population of microorganisms.     

山梨酸钾保藏甜橙汁的评价研究

本探讨了山梨酸钾和冷藏相结合的方法对甜橙汁保藏的具体影响。试验结果表明：在7—8周的贮藏过程中，对照样品可溶性固形物下降40％左右，还原糖下降80％以上，出现严重发酵酒味。添加山梨酸钾的样品可溶性固形物基本不变，还原糖下降约30％，风味色泽基本不变。所有样品维生素C含量、菌落总数均有较大下降，添加山梨酸钾的样品下降更大，说明山梨酸钾具有较强的抑菌效果，但影响维生素C的保存。冷藏甜橙汁时，山梨酸钾添加量掌握在0．03％左右即可。     

Biomass and Patulin Production by Byssochlamys nivea in Apple Juice as Affected by Sorbate, Benzoate, SO2 and Temperature

The effects of potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, SO₂ and incubation temperature on biomass and patulin production by Byssochlamys nivea in apple juice were determined. Growth at 21, 30 and 37°C over a 25-day incubation period was significantly retarded by 75 ppm SO₂, 150 ppm potassium sorbate and 500 ppm sodium benzoate. Biomass accumulated to approximately 500 mg/100 ml in control samples of apple juice. Patulin was produced in the highest concentrations at 21°C after 20 days incubation. After reaching a maximum concentration at 30 and 37°C, a rapid decline in patulin content was observed. Patulin production was also observed at 12°C. On the basis of concentration, SO₂ had the most significant effect on the rate of biomass and patulin production by B. nivea followed by potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, respectively.     

CHANGES IN QUALITY ATTRIBUTES DURING STORAGE OF TOGWA, A LACTIC ACID FERMENTED GRUEL

Microbiological, physicochemical and sensory quality changes in togwa during storage at ambient tropical temperatures were monitored in unpasteurized and pasteurized samples with added sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, propionic acid or a combination of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. The untreated samples were unacceptable within 48 h after production. Organic acids, volatile flavor compounds and fermentable sugars were monitored in untreated samples for up to 96 h. Ethanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-propanal, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanal, acetone, acetoin, lactic, succinic and formic acid increased significantly within 48 h. Pyroglutamic and pyruvic acid decreased and then increased, while uric acid and sugars decreased within 96 h. Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate or their combination extended the shelf-life of the control samples by four days. Pasteurization at 97C/10 min reduced the total mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and Enterobacteriaceae counts to nil and maintained the pH, titratable acidity, specific gravity, and total soluble content constant, and the products were mildly acceptable during storage for up to 60 days. Pasteurization alone was comparable to the combined effects of pasteurization and treatment with preservatives on the quality of the product. Pasteurization alone may therefore be appropriate for small-scale production and increased commercialization.     

Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate preservatives in Iranian doogh

Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are two common preservatives used in Iran, yet use of these preservatives in doogh (Iranian dairy-based drink) is forbidden according to national standards. The aim of this study was to consider the presence of these preservatives in doogh by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC–UV). The method was performed using a C₁₈ column and detection at 225 nm. The mobile phase contained ammonium acetate buffer (pH = 4.2) and acetonitrile (80:20 v/v). The survey included 130 samples of doogh for identification and quantification of the named preservatives. All samples contained sodium benzoate, but potassium sorbate was detected in only 13% of them. The means of benzoate and sorbate were 21.3 ± 2.7 and 13.3 ± 39.6 mg kg^?1, respectively. The limits of detection were 2 and 40 ng g^?1 for benzoate and sorbate, respectively. Results indicate that sodium benzoate may occur in doogh naturally.     

Preservation of acidified cucumbers with a combination of fumaric acid and cinnamaldehyde that target lactic acid bacteria and yeasts

The naturally occurring compound, fumaric acid, was evaluated as a potential preservative for the long-term storage of cucumbers. Fumaric acid inhibited growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in an acidified cucumber juice medium model system resembling conditions that could allow preservation of cucumbers in the presence of sodium benzoate. Forty millimolars of fumaric acid were required to inhibit growth of an extremely aciduric Lactobacillus plantarum LA0445 strain at pH 3.8. Half of this concentration was required to achieve inhibition of L. plantarum LA0445 at pH 3.5. As expected growth of the spoilage yeasts Zygosaccharomyces globiformis and Z. bailii was not inhibited by fumaric acid at near saturation concentrations in the same cucumber juice medium. To usefully apply fumaric acid as a preservative in acidified foods it will be necessary to combine it with a food grade yeast inhibitor. The antimicrobial agent, cinnamaldehyde (3.8 mM) prevented growth of Z. globiformis as well as the yeasts that were present on fresh cucumbers. Acidified cucumbers were successfully preserved, as indicated by lack of yeasts or LAB growth and microbial lactic acid or ethanol production by a combination of fumaric acid and cinnamaldehyde during storage at 30 °C for 2 mo. This combination of 2 naturally occurring preservative compounds may serve as an alternative approach to the use of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, or sodium metabisulfite for preservation of acidified vegetables without a thermal process. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study evaluates the potential application of alternative preservatives for the long-term storage of cucumbers in a reduced NaCl cover brine solution and without a thermal process.     

Improvement in the Microbiological Quality of Ready-To-Use Desalted Cod

ABSTRACT: To reduce the microbial load of ready-to-use desalted cod, 2 different concentrations of sodium chloride (3.13% and 5.78% in water phase), potassium sorbate (0.14% and 0.20% in water phase), and citric acid (pH 6.10 and 5.77), with 2 kinds of packaging procedures (air or vacuum), have been used. The vacuum packaging was effective only in the samples with 3.13% salt after 28 d of storage, whereas no important differences between both packaging procedures were observed in samples with 5.78% salt. This last salt level only limited the Pseudomonas growth, however it was necessary to combine this salt concentration with potassium sorbate plus citric acid to inhibit mesophilic, psychrotrophic, and molds and yeasts.     

Antimicrobial Activity and Synergistic Effect of Cinnamon with Sodium Benzoate or Potassium Sorbate in Controlling Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Apple Juice

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial effects of cinnamon, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and combinations were examined against Escherichia coli O157:H7 in apple juice at 8°C and 25°C. E. coli O157:H7 was reduced by 1.6 log colony-forming units (CFU)/mL at 8°C and 2.0 log CFU/mL at 25°C by 0.3% cinnamon. At 8°C, 5.2 log CFU/mL of E. coli O157:H7 was eliminated in 11 d by 0.3% cinnamon with 0.1% sodium benzoate, and in 14 d by 0.3% cinnamon with 0.1% potassium sorbate. At 25°C, 5.3 log CFU/mL E. coli O157:H7 was eliminated in 3 d by the same combinations. A synergistic effect was observed between cinnamon and preservatives against E. coli O157:H7 at 8°C and 25°C.     

Packaging Film Permeability in Conjunction with Sodium Nitrite, Potassium Sorbate or Lactic Acid Starter Culture for Control of Clostridium sporogenes (PA3679) Growth in Sliced Bologna

A sliced bologna was prepared and inoculated with Clostridium sporogenes (PA3679), packaged in films ranging in oxygen permeability from 0.1 cc/m²/24 hr to 120 cc/m²/24 hr and stored at 5°C, 15°C or 25°C. Subsequent bologna preparations included either 156 ppm sodium nitrite, 0.26% potassium sorbate or a lactic acid starter culture. Water activity, pH, TBA number and PA3679 counts were monitored during 28 days of storage. TBA numbers increased in packages with over 60 cc/m²/24 hr permeability but PA3679 counts did not change as a function of packaging film. Nitrite and sorbate were equally effective as inhibitors. At 15°C and 25°C, the lactic acid culture allowed the least PA3679 growth. Oxygen permeability did not alter any inhibitory effects even when increased TBA numbers resulted from using an oxygen-permeable film.     

Calcium Alginate Films: Thermal Properties and Permeability to Sorbate and Ascorbate

Calcium alginate films were prepared by the pH-controlled release of calcium ions into alginate solution or by the cooling of hot calcium alginate gels. Thermogravimetry and calorimetry showed that the controlled Ca release films contained a greater amount of high-temperature component, and required extra energy to dissociate the tightly crosslinked calcium alginate. Structural differences were reflected by the permeability of the two films to potassium sorbate: 1.06 × 10^–7 (controlled Ca release) and 1.58 × 10^–7 cm²sec^–1 (cooled). Apparent activation energy was estimated to be for the diffusion of potassium sorbate 24.1 KJ·mol^–1, sodium ascorbate 23.7, and ascorbic acid 36.2. Results suggested that the pH of the diffusant solution had an interactive effect on the alginate film.     

Modelling mould spoilage in cold-filled ready-to-drink beverages by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spinulosum

Mathematical models have been developed to predict the probability of growth of spoilage moulds in response to various preservative systems in ready to drink beverages. A Box-Behnken experimental design included five variables, each at three levels: pH (2·8, 3·3, 3·8), titratable acidity (0·20%, 0·40%, 0·60%), sugar content (8·0, 12·0, 16·0 °Brix), and preservative concentrations (sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, each 100, 225, 350 ppm). Duplicate samples were inoculated with a mould cocktail consisting of equal proportions of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spinulosum spores (5·0×10⁴spores/ml). The inoculated samples were plated on malt extract agar after 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Logistic regression was used to create predictive models. The pH, titratable acidity, sugar content, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate levels were all found to be significant factors in predicting the probability of mould growth over time. Interactions between pH and sodium benzoate, pH and potassium sorbate, and pH and sugar content were also statistically significant. This logistic model was validated against 14 new conditions and predicted the growth of mould after 8 weeks with over 96% accuracy. Product developers can use these models to predict mould growth in ready to drink beverages.